The Friends of the Library is a great way to show your support of the St. John the Baptist Parish Library system. Friends of the Library members and volunteers actively promote Library services and resources while sharing their love of books with the community. The Friends believe in literacy programs and understand the need to constantly improve the library system. The Friends also secure volunteers and raise funds to support the Library. Contributions are used to buy items for activities/programming and to fund the summer reading programs for children, teens, and adults.

A huge book sale of gently used donated books is held annually and sometimes semi-annually to help generate funds for the library system. The sale has grown into an event greatly anticipated by hundreds of people in the community. There is also a daily book sale held at each library branch. Patrons are encouraged to stop by and purchase books that pique their interest.

Friends gain great satisfaction from helping the Library, but they also reap rewards as patrons. Friendships develop as members share camaraderie and fun activities and bond over their mutual love of community, books, and reading.

Modest yearly dues from members help support the Friends organization.

The time you give is as important as monetary donations. Friends are indispensable to the operation of the book sales. Volunteers also help out at other Library events.

President – Russ Wise
Treasurer – Greg Maurin

Russ Wise of LaPlace was recently appointed as President of this important non-profit organization. Mr. Wise is a retired broadcast journalist who began his career at the age of 14 in West Virginia.  He moved to the New Orleans area when recruited by WGSO AM Talk radio and began contributing to ABC and National Public Radio in 1984.

He was a member of the St. John Parish School Board for nearly 20 years, and served as President of the Louisiana School Boards Association. He’s also familiar to thousands of River Parishes families for appearing as Santa Claus at schools, daycares, hospitals, and nursing homes, and helping raise money for civic groups and local animal shelters.

Wise said, “I am excited to work with our library system and its Director, Andrea Tullos.  They have been extremely important to our community during this past year of change, and I hope we can create a strong group of volunteers to support its many programs and increased activity.”

The Friends of the Library is looking for officers, as well as members. Contact the library at (985) 652-6857 to share your interest.

If you are interested in joining or volunteering with the Friends, pick up a brochure in any of our library branches or email the library at [email protected].